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France – Japan: a longstanding affinity

In 2018, France and Japan will be celebrating an important anniversary for all Japan fans and of course for Japan Expo: the 160th of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The French interest for many subjects related to Japan that begun in the 19th century endures to this day, and Japan Expo keeps showing so every year!

History

160 years ago, diplomatic relations between France and Japan were instated. This 160th anniversary coincides with the 150th of the start of the Meiji period, when Japan opened to the Western world. After signing a Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1858 in Edo, the former Tokyo, diplomatic relations were established between both countries. Exchanges started in many fields, including the cultural area. The treaty is available online from Gallica (in French).

By opening to the West, Japan embarks on the path of major transformations, while the japonisme trend unfurls among Western arts communities. In Japan, the changes pervaded in many fields, political, military, economic, social, scientific, technical. On a cultural level too, the country adopted European, including French, trends. To this day, the Japanese are still very fond of French fashion or cuisine, for example.

In France, collectors and artists get interested in engravings and Japanese arts as early as the 19th century. The National Library (Bibliothèque nationale de France) engraving collection is a witness of this craze, acquiring a volume of Katsushika HOKUSAI’s Manga as soon as 1843. When Japan takes part in the World’s Fair for the first time in 1867 in Paris, the pavilion exhibits traditional architecture and thousands of artistic and traditional items, launching a general trend of interest for Japanese arts.

Their influence shows in many fields, from decorative arts to fashion, theatre, literature, cinema, and of course arts. Japanese engravings, HOKUSAI’s, HIROSHIGE’s, and UTAMARO’s above all, appeal to French artists, like Charles BAUDELAIRE, Auguste RODIN, Victor HUGO, and of course impressionists. This influence can be found into the works of Claude MONET, Edgar DEGAS, Édouard MANET, or Auguste RENOIR.

Since then, the interest of both countries for each other hasn’t faltered, it has even kept swelling. Japan Expo is a vivid example of the French attachment to Japan and the event pays a tribute to Japanese culture year after year, bringing together thousands of fans of Japan and its culture.

Japonismes 2018

On the occasion of the 160th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Japan, a major project named Japonismes 2018 will feature events, exhibits, and shows from July 2018 to February 2019. Japonismes 2018 will highlight how rich Japanese culture is, from its most traditional aspects to the most modern, exhibits, and lifestyle, and show the long-lasting interest the French have for Japanese culture as a whole.

At Japan Expo

As part of Japonismes 2018 and in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Japan Expo has customized its logo and will host Concert of Japanese Drum and Shamisen. Always trying to innovate, Kenji FURUTATE and Keisho OHNO give new horizons to their instruments.